FamilyMatters

Congratulations to Aubrey and Kay Knight, Jewish Family Service volunteers

since 2006, who were honored with the 2012 Max Frankel Volunteers of the Year award at the Celebrate JFS event in June. Dedicated. Reliable. Engaging. Welcoming. These are just a few of the words used to describe this couple who has consistently volunteered in the Weinberg Food Pantry every Friday for six years. Together, they have donated nearly 2,000 hours of their time! The couple, married nearly 53 years, is active at Calvary Baptist Church near JFS. Shortly after Kay retired, the couple saw an article in their church bulletin seeking volunteers at the Weinberg Food Pantry. Since they were both retired and looking to volunteer, they jumped at this opportunity. Not only have they devoted their time for the last six years, but have enrolled many of their friends from the church as regular food pantry volunteers. Calvary Baptist Church and JFS have a great working relationship; the church refers many clients to our agency and many members of the congre-gation also benefit from our services. “Aubrey and Kay are consistently available when we need them, and they always engage the families as they come through the food pantry, which helps our clients feel more at ease,” says Shelly Hines, Family Safety Net Program director. “Their smiles and welcoming attitudes are always appreciated. Many clients return on Fridays because they know the Knights will be there to greet them and check in on how things have been going for them.” “The Knights have stepped up when we needed help the most,” adds Shelly.

Volume 22, No. 4 • July/August 2012

Family Matters is published bimonthly by Jewish Family Serviceof Colorado, 3201 S. Tamarac Dr., Denver CO 80231

Volunteer Spotlight Congratulations to Aubrey and Kay Knight: 2012 Max Frankel Volunteers of the Year

In This IssueStory of Hope 2

JFS Counseling Center 4

Mental Health Matters 5

Bereavement Group 5

New Board Members 6

Thank You for Caring! 8

International KidSuccess 10

Spotlight on Staff 11

Para-chaplain Graduates 12Continued on page 11

Kay and Aubrey Knight have logged more than 2,000 hours in the Weinberg Food Pantry.

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Story of Hope Heidi Pittaway: Taking Her Life Back

She’s smart, poised, and articulate. At 23 years old, Heidi Pittaway has a brilliant future. She’s

currently enrolled in college and has big plans for a career in business. Her ultimate goal is to hold elected office. With her drive, there’s no doubt she’ll make it. Heidi’s future didn’t always look so bright. Just three years ago, she was eight months pregnant with her second daughter. She was a high school dropout living in a homeless shelter in Parker, scared and alone. Her prospects for the future were nonexistent. She had no high school diploma. No work experience. No husband. No family support. No money. No job. And no plan. What she did have was a little girl who was entirely dependent upon her and another one on the way. “It was an extreme wake-up call to say the least,” says Heidi. Heidi is a Jewish Family Service client who recently participated in an intensive job training program at SHALOM Denver. This program has a singular goal: to move people from welfare to work. The SHALOM team has been extremely successful,

placing more than 110 clients into meaningful employment in the last year alone. For Heidi, the work program not only prepared her for her first job, but also helped her overcome serious life challenges that threatened her ability to care for herself and her young girls. She got her life back and was given the tools she needed to change her path to become self-sufficient. Heidi became pregnant the first time at age 17, as a junior in high school. Like other kids her age, she planned to attend college and make something out of her life. But the pregnancy changed all that. She was young and in love and had high hopes for success as a family unit. “When my daughter was born, I naively dropped out of school,” says Heidi. “My family was not happy about my choices, but I was determined.” Less than a year later, she became pregnant again. At the end of her second pregnancy, staff at the homeless shelter where she was staying found out about her abusive relationship with the father of her children. For Heidi, that was the bottom. “My focus quickly changed from how to keep my family unit together to how am I going to survive and provide for my kids?” At that desperate time, Heidi received critical financial aid that probably saved her life. The shelter helped her apply for welfare benefits, get food stamps, and access subsidized housing. And she was enrolled in a job training program at JFS’s SHALOM Denver facility. SHALOM Denver clients receive high-quality, hands-on training and real-world work experience over the course of several months. The staff works one-on-one with clients to evaluate their interests and skills and work diligently to improve those skills. They help clients understand what it means to work and change their attitudes about welfare and personal responsibility. SHALOM Denver places clients in internships to give them real work experience and helps them find jobs. SHALOM helped Heidi build her skills and confidence. She expressed her interest in business Heidi Pittaway and her daughters.

and her case manager was able to place her in an internship at the Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. She worked hard, and with the support of her supervisor she was hired at the end of the internship. Heidi is now the assistant to the vice president of operations, working part-time while attending college. “I love the work, the challenges I face, and the experience it’s giving me,” says Heidi. She’s also able to balance work and school and keep her focus on the big picture. Heidi has big plans for herself — and she’s well on her way. She earned her GED in November 2008 through the Emily Griffith Opportunity School and will graduate with an associate’s degree in business management from the Community College of Denver this December. She will then go to Metro State for her bachelor’s degree in business. Finally, she plans to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where she grew up, for her MBA. Heidi’s goals are big, but she’s willing to do what it takes to achieve them, even if that means some hardships along the way.

She’s forever grateful to SHALOM Denver for helping her map out a new future for herself. “They showed me what it would take to get where I want to be,” she reflects. “They helped me develop a plan and gave me the tools I needed to take my life back.” “I can’t give all the credit to SHALOM Denver for turning my life around,” says Heidi. “I take some credit for myself. I took the initiative and I’m working hard to change my life. I’m going to make it for my girls, and that makes it all worthwhile.” l

Heidi Pittaway bravely shared her personal story before a sold-out crowd of 650 people at the JFS Executive Luncheon in May. It was her first speaking engagement. SHALOM Denver’s Employment Services program is funded by the City and County of Denver, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

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“I’m going to make it for my girls, and that makes it all worthwhile.” — Heidi Pittaway

Join Us for the Third Annual Tour de Farm Bike Ride August 5

Support urban farming and share the harvest by participating in Ekar Farm’s third annual Tour de Farm on Sunday, August 5, from 8:00

a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On this 16-mile bike ride along the Highline Canal bike path, you will stop at DeLaney Community Farm for a tour and fresh Palisade peaches, then on to Sprout City Farm at Denver Green School for another tour, and back to Ekar for grilled Colorado Olathe corn and live Bluegrass music! All proceeds directly benefit Ekar’s programming and its ongoing donation of fresh, organic vegetables to Jewish Family Service’s Weinberg Food Pantry. Cost: $18 per rider, $50 per family. The ride is limited to the first 140 registrations. Register at www.ekarfarm.org today! l

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JFS Counseling Center: The Therapists Are In!

Got something on your mind? Maybe you’re struggling in your relationship, having

behavioral challenges with your kids, or are simply stressed out at work. Perhaps you’re having trouble getting over the loss of a loved one or haunted by a past event in your life. The JFS Counseling Center is here to help. The JFS Counseling Center is your resource for quality therapy. We assist people at all stages of life — from age 5 to 105 — with caring, compas-sionate, and confidential clinical therapy services. We’re specialists in helping clients effectively deal with marital and relationship issues, parenting, depression, anger management, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Our four licensed therapists have a combined 120 years of clinical experience, making the JFS Counseling Center one of the most qualified counseling facilities in the Denver metro area. These are master-degreed professionals who are licensed in a variety of specialties.

While highly regarded, the JFS Counseling Center remains one of the best-kept secrets around. Few people — even longtime Jewish Family Service supporters — know about the quality therapeutic services offered. “Almost all of our clients come to us via word of mouth, which speaks volumes about the quality of our services,” says Stacey Weisberg, director of the JFS Counseling Center. “But at the same time, I think there’s some confusion in the community because of all the great work that Jewish Family Service does for folks who are economically disad-vantaged. People just don’t realize that we have these kinds of services for everyone in our community.” Therapy services are offered on a sliding-scale-fee basis and can range from $30 to $120 per hour, depending on income. Services are covered by most health insurance plans, which makes quality counseling accessible to most everyone. Clients might engage in therapy for as little as three months or as long as three years. It just depends on need and

the issues involved. “Our clients receive a high level of service from an extremely talented staff,” says Stacey. “I regard it as a private practice experience that happens to be in an agency setting. Our therapy offices are attractive, comfortable, and extremely private. And we go out of our way to ensure client confiden-tiality, including access to a private entrance for clients who request it.” The JFS Counseling Center operates in a separate suite of offices at Jewish Family Service’s Tamarac facility at 3201 South Tamarac Drive in Denver. To speak with an intake therapist and schedule a confiden-tial appointment, call 303.597.7777. Find out if we can help you resolve difficult life challenges and find balance, focus, and peace in your life. lStacey Weisberg, LPC, director of JFS Counseling Center; Marcia Vaziri, MA; Betty Tullius, LMFT; Arleen Gershen, LCSW; and Laura Grushcow, MSSA, LCSW.

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By Betty Tullius, LMFT, Therapist, Jewish Family Service of Colorado

In my years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I’ve seen clients seek couples therapy for every conceivable reason: difficulties with finances, issues around

physical and/or emotional intimacy, parenting, blended families, cultural differences, and family of origin, to name a few. By far, the most common issue that couples present is communication. Couples feel that a lack of communication underlies all the other problems they face. The problem is often presented as “my partner doesn’t understand me,” “I don’t feel heard,” or “my partner won’t agree that I’m right and he/she is wrong.” In one sense, couples have it right — communication is often the underlying problem with many seemingly larger relationship issues. It’s not just a lack of communication, but often more about how we choose to communicate. We can say volumes by storming out of a room, engaging in name calling, or (as anyone who has access to an adolescent can attest) eye rolling. It is effective communication that seems to have many couples stumped. Effective communication can involve many skills, including active listening, taking turns, and “fighting fair.” What seems to get lost when couples try to problem solve is the ability to listen without judgment, to discuss without blaming, and to remember that, in the midst of anger and frustration, what connects them is not determining who is right and who is wrong, but how well they can show empathy for each other’s feelings and points of view. Being able to express this empathy and take it in is the beginning of truly effective com-munication. Feeling confused about your own relationship? Contact the JFS Counseling Center at 303.597.7777 to see if therapy might be right for you. l

Betty Tullius is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s in Clinical Psychology. She has 14 years of clinical experience and has been with JFS for seven years. She counsels individuals, couples, and families. “Mental Health Matters” is a new column written by Jewish Family Service Counseling Center therapists that will appear in each issue of Family Matters.

Mental Health Matters Couple Trouble

Betty Tullius, LMFT

Spiritual Healing Bereavement Group Forming for September

Rafael Spiritual Healing Services, a program of the JFS Counseling Center and the Jewish Community Chaplaincy of Jewish Family Service, is forming a bereavement group for

people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will begin in September and the dates and times will be set based on the needs of the participants. This unique eight-session group not only supports people through the process of grieving, but also fosters connections with self, faith, and community by integrating Jewish traditions and rituals. The group will be cofacilitated by Rabbi Eliot Baskin, D.Min, Jewish community chaplain, and Arleen Gershen, LCSW, a JFS psychotherapist. For more information or to sign up for the September group, contact Arleen Gershen at 720.248.4598 or agershen@jewishfamilyservice.org. l

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Spotlight on Leadership New Board Members

Ed BaradShareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLPEd and his wife, Marlin, have three grown children:

Meredith, Jonathan, and Caroline.

“I am looking forward to joining the JFS board because it will give me opportunities to help our community

through the growing groups of social services programs that JFS sponsors, hence enriching and improving the

lives of others and my own.”

Charlie GwirtsmanCo-founder and Managing Director, KRG Capital Partners

Charlie and his wife, Dr. Nancy Reichman, have two sons: Danny, 23, and Andrew, 20.

“Jewish Family Service continues to act as a vital provider of basic services for a portion of the population that has been

increasingly challenged by the faltering economy and the erosion of the safety net. I have been happy to be a financial supporter and

hope I can make a further contribution as a board member.”

Congratulations to our new board members who were installed at the Celebrate JFS event in June! Thank you to outgoing board members Doug Antonoff, Sheryl Feiler, Elaine Gampel, Sherri Goldstein, and Perry Moss for their years of dedicated service to JFS.

Save the Date for Reel Hope 2012

Mark your calendars for Monday, December 10, and plan to join us for Reel Hope 2012, our annual movie-themed

fundraiser! Elaine and Max Appel will receive the Jack Shapiro Community Service Award, and Gareth and Betsy Heyman will accept the Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year Award. Stay tuned for other event details and be sure you’re signed up for our e-newsletter and connected to us through Facebook, Twitter, and our blog so you can be among the first to be in the know. Visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org to get connected.

Follow JFS on:

www.facebook.com/jfscolorado

www.twitter.com/JFS_Colo

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Jamie SarchéDirector of Outreach and Prearranged Funeral Planning,

Feldman MortuaryJamie and her husband, Jon, have two boys:

Alec, 17, and Danny, 14.

“For the last three years, I have worked closely with JFS on a number of projects, including cosponsoring the Before the Mourning series, serving on the JFS Executive Luncheon

Committee, brainstorming on marketing for JFS at Home, and working in the food pantry alongside my family and friends. I have developed such a love for this agency, its staff, and its

incredible commitment to our community. I am so proud and honored to join the board, helping to steer the agency on its

incredible journey with leaders from our community.”

Gareth HeymanWizard of All Things, MorEvents

Gareth and his wife, Betsy, have one son, Stone, 12, and a dog, Rock, 9.

“There are multiple reasons why I am so passionate about JFS. As an adult seeking volunteer opportunities, JFS embraced me

early on and made me feel very important to the cause. As I grew, I saw the multitude of services provided regardless of religious beliefs, financial standing, demographics, or other frequently seen societal barriers. Both the staff and the board have been

dedicated to a solid vision of providing meaningful services to the community. I am privileged to be a member of the board.”

For a complete list of officers and board members, visit http://jewishfamilyservice.org/about-jfs/leadership.

An easy way to help JFS serve those in need is by cleaning out your closets! Your donation of gently used clothing,

shoes, and household items through Healing Minds generates funds that support the mental health programs at JFS and subsidize the cost of counseling services for our clients. Schedule a home pickup online at www.healingmindspickup.org or by calling 303.232.4483. l

Clean Out Your Closets to Help JFS!

Thank You for Caring! Thank you for your generosity! Your support makes our life-transforming work possible.

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The following donations reflect tribute gifts received from April 1 to May 31, 2012. Due to space limitations, we are only able to list tribute gifts received during this time, but all contributions are greatly appreciated. Please accept our apologies for any omissions or errors.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR Rabbi Eliot Baskin The Julius L. Kaplan Family TrustAmy Toltz Miller and Howard Miller Samuel and Cherie KirschbaumInna Oganesyan and Victoria Martysh Neal and Kathy KimmelRabbi Birdie Becker Lyle and Julie MarguilesAmy Hill David BrineyMegan Sherr John and Marjorie Berman

IN HONOR OF ANNIVERSARIESOur 30th Anniversary Gary Kleiman and Elisa MoranPatty Bortz and Brad Schuster Libby BortzSusie and Perry Moss Perry and Susie MossRuth and Warren Toltz Samuel and Cherie Kirschbaum

IN HONOR OF BAR MITZVAHSBenjamin Goelz Martin and Ilene LasherAriel Avraham Markus Joe and Sandy BeanJakob Rheins Mike and Kathleen GraziDan Shelanski Brad and Lisa KornfeldJan Fisher Herbert Josepher and Cassandra Robbins

IN HONOR OF BIRTHS Alexa Berger Neal and Kathy KimmelSarah Davis The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim WolfeLuca Raizman Howard and Donna LutzSophia Larsen Mark and Robyn Tsesarsky

IN HONOR OF BIRTHDAYSAdam Agron Rob Kaufmann and Jen Gilbert-KaufmannAdam Agron Dean Prina, M.D.

Peggy Beck Cynthia Chapman Pam NaimanBernard Eisenstat Les and Estelle LevittSharon Feder Richard and Rae NegreannMonte Glovinsky Helen Bernstein Ruth WolffRenee Gross Les and Estelle LevittJean Guthery Howard and Donna LutzDyna Harris Richard and Rae NegreannPaul Herschman Richard and Valerie NeffBeadie Lewis Irene MayerPam Naiman Cynthia ChapmanLea Oxman Marguerite OxmanJames Puttmann Catherine PuttmannEdward Robinson Lynn and Lisa TaussigElaine Rosen Cynthia ChapmanIrvin Rubin Marvin and Shirley LeffMichael Stern Cynthia ChapmanErnie Stone Marvin and Shirley LeffDavid Weinstein William and Roberta Fishman David and Michelle Friedman Don and Linda NeumanDavid and Gayle Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bilett

IN HONOR OF GRADUATIONMegan and Robert Siegel Rick and Debby Levinson

IN HONOR OF MARRIAGEMichael and Lauren Nevers Mirella Schreiber

IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAYFrances Kessler Michael and Lani Kessler

IN HONOR OF A NEW HOMERael and Lorraine Lipson Helene Hoffman

IN HONOR OF Chip Getz Kevin and Jynx MessacarMarilyn and Herbert Rubinstein Kyle Framson

HEA Preschool Seals Class (3-year-olds) Tzedakah Project Scott and Shari GoldsteinAnn Abernathy Denise JendruschAdam Agron Howard and Melissa Brill Lindsay KoughMax and Elaine Appel Joel Appel Dan and Amy Feldman Arthur and Arlene MossDick Auer Jonathan and Emily MusserOur children and grandchildren Jeffrey and Terri AuerbachRob and Sam Baumgarten Kerry Hutsell Harley SpringScott Bemis Thomas O’DonnellBeryl Brasch Mortimer GordonBruce Deboskey Temple SinaiRose Medical Center – Ken Feiler Andrea GwynAnne and Dick Field Donald Chenoweth and Joanne FieldDr. Ralph Fisch Courtney ShelbyJan Fisher Robert DykesSenator Joyce Foster David and Allison FosterLauren Goldstein Steven Goldstein and Amy WrightScott Goldstein Steven Goldstein and Amy WrightSheryl Goodman and Shelley Krovitz Elaine S. Gampel and Alan TedeschiCeleste and Jack Grynberg Rachel Grynberg and Rick SchepisGreg Harman Sarah HarmanMark and Michele Hellerstein Joe and Sandy BeanHeyman Family Jane HartgroveJed Jultak Joe and Sandy BeanNicole Kramis Rick SchepisSteve Kris Bruce and Rhonda WildmanAllan Lackner Arnold SamuelsMimi Levine Rick and Kim LevineLes Levitt Lezlie GoldbergAlan and Peggy Mayer Alvin and Lisa Lucero

Lisa Mehl Bob and Robyn LoupDeborah Meisterplass Eudice LewkowitzJordan Miller AnonymousI. Bernard Munishor A. Herbert and Myndel CohenBernie and Berta Naiman Marc and Laren NaimanNeil Oberfeld The Board & Staff of Jewish Family ServiceHeidi Pittaway Stephanie BetancourtCintra Pollack William RechtRoberta and Gerald Quiat Melinda QuiatWarren Rawlins Liz GoochDawn Richard Phyllis VajdaRebecca and Brian Rosen Seth and Lauren PeritzmanStanton Rosenbaum Andrew and Robyn Levy Suzanne RobinsonBonnie Saliman Jordan and Bonnie SalimanCathy Summer and Ingird Swords – Boulder JFS David and Cheryl Fellows Bruce and Rhonda WildmanBenjamin Valore-Caplan and Brook Kramer from Syntrinsic Michael Opatowski and Ruth MalmanYana Vishnitsky Diane Cook Walter Goldberg

IN HONOR OF RETIREMENTPeter Guthery Howard and Donna Lutz

WITH WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY Louis Gelfand Les and Estelle LevittLes Levitt Michael Asarch The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Ely Birnbaum and Shirley Londer Agnes Davis Mankwitz Family Foundation Yana Vishnitsky and Jim WolfeDonald Lozow Fred and Maxine DavineGary Lozow The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Jerry and Kathy Berenstein

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Gary and Marsha Blum Neal and Kathy Kimmel Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum Chet and Louise Schwartz Claire Seiden Yana Vishnitsky and Jim WolfePam Naiman Jon and Sheryl GoodmanDavid Pollock Albert and Janice DinnerCynthia Shaiman Striker FoundationLisa Snyder Jeffrey and Lisa SnyderAnna Tsesarsky Don and Linda NeumanJudi Wolf Stanton and Jane E. Rosenbaum

IN HONOR OF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS AT JFS Adam Agron Megan SherrSarah Goldblatt Estelle Meskin

IN HONOR OF THE WORK YOU DOCaryl Buckstein The Denver Post CommunityYana Vishnitsky Ken and Lynne Siegel Arnold and Karen Stein

IN MEMORY OF Joanne Baumgarten Rob and Sam BaumgartenDonald Handler Harold and Marilyn Lande Terry Fenner and Dawn RichardTess Vasso-Moffett J.J. and Brynn AsarchAnthony Hibbard Robert HibbardEdna Stacey Stacey SaggeseMichael Skolnick AllStaff HomeCare, LLCNana Matilda Stepovich David and Anna AsarchOur Parents Larry and Susan SiegelLarry Miller and Elizabeth Post Gordan PostRalph Klein Paul and Sandra JefferyDotie Allen Stuart and Elise ZallMarilyn Alper Richard and Andra DavidsonBen Cook Richard and Andra DavidsonLisa Fishman Richard and Andra DavidsonJuanita Alterman Phillip Alterman David Cohen

Daniel Pulaski The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Yana Vishnitsky and Jim WolfeGerson Barter Joe and Sandy BeanSteven Becker Elizabeth BeckerIrving and Paula Beer Ralph Powell and Shirley Beer-PowellChristopher Bennett David and Michelle FriedmanJean Stein Bloch Jane Routh LeSylvia Brooks Betty KarshHarold Bruno, Jr. Hal BrunoErna Butler Eileen Charles HyattAngela Campbell Robert CampbellDr. and Mrs. Donald Clark Jeri ClarkMarjorie Clarke Tanya AkinsShirley Collins Cynthia Chapman Pam NaimanNoel Cunningham Jay MillsWally Degginger Alvin and Bettie SteinbergSusan DeRosa Cynthia ChapmanMaria Devinki Ron and Andy LinkowSylvia Entelis The Board & Staff of Jewish Family ServiceBeatrice Epel Jon and Sheryl GoodmanEvelyn Fantle Keel CoddingtonBlossom Fleming The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Jerry S. and Freda Miklin George Chaitkin and Millie Wolkowicz Yana Vishnitsky and Jim WolfeCynthia Fowler Ben and Robyn FriedmanSally Goldberg Harold and Marilyn LandeGilbert Goldstein Donald and Henny Kaufmann I. Bernard and Leba MunishorRuth Goodman Les and Estelle LevittElaine Greenstein Jack and Marsha FeuerMichael Guzofsky David and Michelle Friedman Elliott and Gloria HusneyWayne Hoffman Cynthia Chapman

Edel Jacobs Larry and Debra JacobsErnest Jacobs Marlene WeinerSarah Joffe Brad Schuster and Patty BortzWilson and Virginia King James KingHelene Klausner Dorothy WisemanHinda Lapkoff Ron and Andy LinkowDavid Lichter Myrtle Shor SidmanFrieda Makovsky Mark and Susie Barter Pam Naiman I. Bernard and Leba MunishorDora Mallinoff Lynda M. GoldsteinMarilyn Markowitz Israel MarkowitzAbby Meisterplass The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Shirley Epstein Burt and Ilene Follman Jeff Greenstein and Gail Krovitz Ralph and Berta Goodman Hadassah Study Group #29 Marvin and Aileen Marcus Ann Martin Barry and Florence Melnick Marvin and Florence Radetsky Charlene Shaffer Ira and Cynthia Shwartz Ralph and Debbie Sokol Mark and Susan ZalkinHarold Morgenstern Jill HendenSteve Moyski Steve Clarke David and Michelle FriedmanBaby Girl Novodvorskiy Pavel and Nataliya NovodvorskiyHanna Posner-Ohr Joanne MayerDan Pulaski Betty KarshMr. and Mrs. Morton Rechnitz Robert and Mindy WeinbergerAlex Rittenbaum Albert and Janice DinnerEdward Rosenthal Bennie and Joan Bub Allan and Helena StrikerGerald Rothberg Rose Goldstein Ira and Cynthia Shwartz Renee SingerLiese Rothman Elliott and Gloria HusneyJoyce Livingston Routh Jane Routh LeRabbi Robert Saunders Daniel and Karli SherwinterNathan Schreier Edward and Judith Rosenthal

Lorraine and Steven Sekerak Michael SekerakHana Shalon Simon BrafmanAnna Sholiton Ruth Ann QuickSylvia Siegal Eileen Eller Martin Freedman Ron and Andy LinkowRobert Siegel The Board & Staff of Jewish Family Service Terry Fenner and Dawn Richard Christine McMillan Yana Vishnitsky and Jim WolfeAnn and Joe Singer AnonymousArnold and Donna Stein Paul SteinAnita Stieglitz Mark and Susie Barter Israel and Marla Levine Jack Thomas Dean Prina, M.D.Barbara Tobias Mankwitz Family FoundationSamuel Tyor Marvin TyorHugh Vaughn Martin SnowBecky Warnke Todd and Karen WarnkeMr and Mrs Alvin Weinberger Robert and Mindy WeinbergerStuart Weinstein Howard and Donna Lutz

IN KIND

Aish-DenverAllied Jewish Federation of ColoradoCongregation Bnai ChaimCongregation BMH-BJCongregation Emanuel Religious SchoolCongregation Hebrew Educational AllianceDaisy Girl Scout Troop #1737FoodWorksFresh PointGirl Scout Troop #703Grand Hyatt DenverKing Soopers – MonacoKing Soopers ReclamationLilft-Up of Routt CountyPizza Hut at LeetsdaleSafewaySunflower MarketTemple EmanuelTemple SinaiTemple Sinai Religious SchoolWhole Foods at TamaracWhole Foods at Cherry Creek

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International KidSuccess: Helping Refugee Students Thrive

“Ameta” came to America from Ethiopia and was having trouble with her seventh grade teacher,

who felt that Ameta wasn’t listening because she always looked down when she was being spoken to. In her culture, looking down is a sign of respect. Originally from Bhutan, “Pema” spent the first 16 years of his life in a refugee camp in Nepal before his family made it to America. His school in Nepal was made of bamboo and built by a nonprofit organization. He struggles with English, making friends, and fitting in. “Farzad” is from war-torn Somalia, where his best friend was killed right in front of him. He is still recovering from the atrocities he witnessed. These are but a few examples of the difficult issues facing refugee children in Colorado schools. The Colorado Department of Human Services estimates that 2,534 refugees came to Colorado in 2011. They came from all over the world: Africa, Asia, and the

Middle East — and all experienced culture shock as they adjusted to life in America. Adjusting to the American school system is one of their biggest challenges. Students are faced with learning a new and different language. They must learn and understand complex school rules and expectations. And

they want to make friends with other students who may not appreciate their differences. The International KidSuccess program at Jewish Family Service helps refugee youth adjust to life in the US with a focus on success at school. Ralitsa Ranova, LCSW, PhD, is coordinator of the unique

program and a passionate advocate of comprehen-sive school-based counseling for refugee children and adolescents. “Many refugee students come here after surviving war, ethnic persecution, numerous losses, or separation from family members,” says Ralitsa. “These children and their families have seen and experienced trauma that most people will never experience and can only imagine from newspaper and television reports.” The JFS International KidSuccess program offers cultural adjustment groups to help facilitate the transition to the US. Counselors work one-on-one with students to help them deal with past experiences of trauma, grief, and loss, as well as to overcome current challenges that they face at school and at home. The program serves refugee students at highly impacted Denver metro and Aurora public schools. The program utilizes psychoeducational and therapeutic activities and interventions, including experiential exercises, art projects, and group discussions. International KidSuccess also supports the staff at public schools with consultations and training on mental health issues affecting refugee youth and culturally sensitive strategies for ensuring their success at school. In the 2012–2013 school year, International KidSuccess will expand its outreach to refugee students in northern Colorado by adding capacity-building training for mental health care providers and utilizing interns from local universities. The International KidSuccess program staff has developed a comprehensive training guide for teachers, counselors, and students called The RESPECT Guide, which is scheduled for release this summer. This valuable guide will be used at trainings and will be available to anyone who works with refugee students. For more information, contact Ralitsa Ranova at 720.248.4641 or rranova@jewishfamilyservice.org. l

Staff AnniversariesCongratulations to the following staff members on their anniversaries in July and August:

15 years: Mirella Schreiber, Senior Solutions care manager, and Marlene Adam, payroll coordinator.

5 years: Marion Goldstein, volunteer services administrative assistant; Ann Hoefler, JFS at Home caregiver; Sharon Sanders, SHALOM Denver administrative assistant; and Malka Turgeman, JFS at Home caregiver.

Helping refugee youth adjust to life in the US with a focus on success at school

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“In addition to their weekly commitment, the couple has taken on extra responsibilities. For example, last year when our food pantry operations coordinator took a vacation, Aubrey filled in and drove the truck to numerous grocery stores for early-morning donation pickups. Showing her dedication, Kay worked in the pantry up until the week of a major back surgery and came back to work the week she was approved by her doctor. Plus, at the end of each week, they deliver all of the leftover bread and fresh produce to a nearby low-income apartment complex.” Aubrey enjoys volunteering at Jewish Family Service because “I feel like we’re really helping people. JFS is such a great organization that does so much for people and the clients are really appreciative.” Kay, who works at the desk greeting people as they enter the pantry, says she likes the interaction with the clients and meeting people from such a variety of cultures. “It is very humbling to hear what some of these people have been through. Many of the clients are also very giving — I’ve had people give me cookies from their purses and eye shadow that I’ve complimented them on to show their appreciation.” They both say that they love “the crew we work with on Friday. There are two couples from our church as well as members of the Jewish community, and we have all formed a really close bond.” They add, “We were so stunned to learn we were getting this award and definitely never expected it. We don’t volunteer to receive any recognition, but we’re very proud to accept the Max Frankel Volunteers of the Year Award.” Before they retired, Kay was an administrative assistant to the principal at Heritage High School and Aubrey was a mechanic for United Airlines. The couple has three children and seven grandchildren. Thank you, Aubrey and Kay, for your incredible commitment to JFS! l

Volunteer Spotlight continued from page 1

Spotlight on Staff Ralitsa Ranova, LCSW, PhD Coordinator, JFS International KidSuccessAbout Ralitsa: I was born and spent most of my life in Bulgaria. I came to the US with my husband 10 years ago. I was working as a journalist and just earned my doctorate degree in philosophy when I won a green card and, by arbitrary luck, I had to start my life over. As an immigrant, it was my choice to come to the US and I had some time to prepare. Choice and time are luxuries that many refugees don’t have as they run for their lives from war-torn countries or because of well-founded fear of persecution. However, there was no way to prepare myself for all the challenges I faced. I missed my family, friends, and familiar places and lost my sense of belonging. I struggled to express myself freely in a second language. It was a huge culture shock that I today call “my blessing in disguise.” I decided to go back to school and become a clinical social worker, so I could use my personal and professional experiences in helping other immigrants and refugees entering this lifelong journey. Six years ago, my dream came true when I joined the Jewish Family Service International KidSuccess program

staff. My hope is that my son, Alexander, and every student I work with will have the courage to dream and the strength to follow their dreams.Greatest Weakness: My greatest weakness is also my greatest strength. I work tirelessly for this cause!Pet Peeve: People who lack empathy and who aren’t appre-ciative of or sensitive to diversity.Favorite Movie: Wings of DesireSecret Passion: I’m very ordinary. I like real life with my family. I do enjoy writing Bulgarian poetry. l

The International KidSuccess program is funded by the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Division of Refugee Services, Rose Community Foundation, and Venoco, Inc.

Ralitsa Ranova

Joyce and Kal Zeff Building3201 South Tamarac DriveDenver CO 80231-4394

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www.jewishfamilyservice.org

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R ecently, five individuals completed the Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick) Para-chaplain Program training. Para-chaplains assist Jewish Family Service by providing spiritual support and a Jewish

connection to isolated members of the Jewish community. Thank you to these dedicated volunteers for sharing their care and compassion in this valuable way. And no, you are not seeing double in this photo — there was a set of twins in the training this year! l

Congratulations to the 2012 Para-chaplain Training Graduates!

L to R: Michael Goldstein, Beth Lippa (Jewish Family Service Senior Solutions volunteer coordinator), Dr. Lois Darmstadter, Mark Goldstein, and Allan Kantrowitz.Not pictured: Georgette Kennebrae